Tobacco.org

Kildare teen smoking poll produces some shock results 

THE results of a major new study conducted by a number of local doctors on the smoking habits and attitudes of 600 adolescents in both Kildare and neighbouring counties are likely to shock.

The research found that adolescents have no difficulty in obtaining cigarettes from shops, despite laws which outlaw selling them to minors.

And a significant minority say that they get them from their friends, siblings and most disturbingly, their parents.

Some 90% of 126 pupils from four post primary schools indicated little or no difficulty in obtaining cigarettes either from their parents, siblings or friends, with the average age at first cigarette at 12.7 years, the report which was part funded by the Naas-based Office of Tobacco Control found.

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